illa'

s static-like the rush of o

es. Muffle

e's wak

etheart... Can

dn't remember shedding. The ceiling spun above me as I tried to open

she said, brows fu

ivia gripped my hand so tightly my knuckles ached, her forced smile do

ream. George h

eavy with ached, as if an iron band had wrap

he?" My mother's

wed up at the venue. His phone is off.

re it began. In the mirror across the room, I saw her, the bride who was supposed to be me. Makeup smudg

't wait to see me in my dress." I shook vehementl

er wrapped me in her arms

't leave me like that, could he? Th

and my father stormed in like a thundercloud, suit half-but

l over the internet. 'Abandoned at the altar.' Do

at the sound

mother began, but he

uble. And now he's dragged ou

ce came out small and raw.

ng a coward who'd humiliate y

ened to him." My voice came out

Wake up Camilla Baker, that boy h

standing so fast her chair scraped

her; Olivia didn't fl

too; isn't only about her getting

low and stern, his face held an

y son, and getting your daughter married to him would strengthen the tie

ther yelled angrily, rage all over his face. It was very obvious

ime to blame anyone," my mother added, her voice soft, tryi

s came short and shallow. My mother continuously tapp

ldn't

s were cl

ng like brittle leaves,

to the cold tile floor, my knees b

idn'

tulle, clutching the velvet ring box I

ning

to open it to k

ice, my mother yelling as it turned to sob

he bathroom door,

w, Cam," Olivia said

ed; I didn't realize I w

one to see the heart-wrenching mes

, but ... you're not just good e

he whole cell in

nough for t

he say th

ssage from an unknown source sends a picture of George and a wom

...and that was when I felt it, the lump at the back

felt lik

it wa